Lobbyists

Members of the lobbying industry have the task of representing clients, from corporations to trade organizations to non-profit organizations, and advocating on their behalf in the nation's capital.

The relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers is tenuous. On one hand, lobbyists pursue relationships with lawmakers in order to shape legislation so that it benefits those who would be affected by the new laws. On the other hand, lobbyists are frequently targeted as symbols of undue influence -- even corruption -- and lawmakers wish to distance themselves for the sake of transparency. [Read more Background]

Average Contributions to Members of Congress, 1990-2014

Data for the current election cycle were released by the Federal Election Commission on Sunday, September 15, 2013

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